Biology

Research Project and Career Development
This module houses our capstone research project, which actively engages students in project planning and the implementation of scientific research at a professional level, concluding in the presentation of results in the forum of a scientific research conference. In addition, this module serves as a transition between university and professional life, and includes a focus on professional development.

Humans and Other Primates
This module invites students to explore what it means to be human, by considering our place in the animal kingdom and learning about our closest relatives. Students will be asked to critically analyse conflicting theories in palaeoanthropology, behavioural ecology, and evolutionary theory.

Human Variation
This module seeks to understand the biological variation found within a single species (Homo sapiens) and the evolutionary foundations of that variation. The module will include a historical view of the study of humans, including “race” science and biological determinism, and contrasting these with more contemporary approaches to human variation.

Global Health Challenges
On successful completion of this module, the learner will understand public health in a global context and explore the impact of inequality on human health and wellbeing. The module will explore potential solutions to these issues, and learners will evaluate the successes and limitations of interventions to reduce global health inequality.

Global Ecological Challenges
In this module, students will apply contemporary scientific knowledge and skills to the interpretation of ecological responses to anthropogenic impacts, including land and sea use change and climate change.

Aquatic Biology
In this optional module, students will acquire detailed knowledge on aquatic ecosystems, their ecological systems and processes, the physiology and behaviour of their plants and animals that inhabit them.

Functional Ecology
Functional ecology is a unifying discipline, bringing together evolutionary biology, genetics, evolutionary ecology, and traditional ecology. This optional module will explore this intersectional field, considering ecological strategies that animals and plants adopt to acquire resources, grow, survive, and reproduce.

Modern Molecular Advances
On successful completion of this optional module students will be able to critically evaluate the therapeutic and technological advances which have successfully made it into clinical practice for diagnosis and disease management. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and case studies.

Skills and Professional Development 1
This module builds necessary academic skills required in their course and further careers. The module provides an introduction to scientific reading and writing skills, referencing, critical analysis of published work, and statistical principles needed to ascertain the reliability of published data.

Genetics and Evolution
This module introduces the principles and core concepts of genetics and the theory of evolution. Students will gain an understanding of inheritance, the theory of evolution, and the factors that drive evolution.

Diversity of Cellular Life
This module introduces life at a cellular level, including the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, various cellular components, and cellular metabolic pathways. In addition, students will collect and analyse data during laboratory practical classes.

Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry
This module provides an overview of the structural and functional organization of the human body. The module includes an understanding of all anatomical body systems, as well as they underlying chemical processes present in all organisms.

Biodiversity 
This module builds an understanding of the principles and methodologies of taxonomy and classification of living organisms. Students will develop practical competences which will enable analysis of specimens and data through applying lecture-based theory to field and lab work.

Principles of Ecology
Students will develop a firm understanding of ecological theory and the ability to identify and critically evaluate ecological hierarchy, processes, cycles, and successions through lecture, field work, and lab practicals.

Skills and Professional Development 2
This module aims to build on the key professional skills introduced in Year 1 and develop competencies in data acquisition, manipulation and science communication using statistical analysis, bioinformatics, cartography and spatial analysis.

Evolutionary Biology Seminar
This bespoke module for the BSc Biology course explores the history, development, and controversies within evolutionary theory. As a seminar, the module is student-driven and discussive, and allows students to engage deeply with influential scholarly works.

Human Molecular Genetics
This module aims to introduce students to molecular genetics and the genetic basis of intertied disorders. On successful completion of this module, students will understand the theoretical and practical applications of key molecular biology techniques used in the study of genetics and their importance in human genetic disorders.

Comparative Vertebrate Zoology
Combining Earth history with anatomical form and physiological function, students will study the evolution of the vertebrate classes and their comparative lifestyles. The module is delivered using a combination of traditional lectures, dissection practical sessions, and a journal club tutorial.

Behavioural Ecology
The module will give students a grounding in behavioural ecology and utilising theoretical frameworks to understand the interaction between behaviour, ecology and evolution.

Applied Tropical Conservation 
This optional module uses a combination of theory, practical case studies and fieldwork focused on key tropical landscapes to explore the study of tropical ecology and conservation in an applied context and to facilitate the development of associated skills. Please note that this module includes a residential international field course and therefore comes with additional costs.

The Invisible World
This optional module will introduce students to a range of microscopy techniques for analysing biological and geological materials. It will provide technical and laboratory experience to prepare and analyse samples and allow students to consider the range of factors that affect the preservation or quality of samples analysed.

Professional Practice and Placement
This optional module provides students an opportunity to work with a commercial/industrial employer or on a simulated employer placement. Placements will be offered by the University or arranged by individual students. This process is supported by our professional services team.